Respectful

People who communicate effectively are open to divergent opinions and views. They listen actively and thoughtfully, even when they disagree with what’s being said.

Active, respectful listening is not just something individuals need to master, however. Institutions committed to social change should also strive to make it a cultural norm, especially when it comes to communications.

You can think of respect as inclusivity's close cousin. Seek out contrarian perspectives. Be polite and open to alternative ways of thinking about and solving problems. Always assume positive intent. Don’t interrupt. Consider that your approach may not always right. And accept that diverse points of view have inherent value.

Whether you work for a foundation with significant financial resources or a small nonprofit providing critical community services, there will always be things that you don’t know or insights to be learned from others. Embracing this fact heightens your awareness and expands your capacity to be truly engaged, alert and responsive. That makes you a better communicator.

Voices

Communication enhances the value of our work as a team. If we are serious about moving the dial on the issues we care about, we have to engage our stakeholders.Communication LeaderPrivate Foundation

Since grantees are hands-on, they frequently have better policy contacts and credibility than a foundation executive.Communication LeaderNonprofit

The biggest gap I see is in communication with donors or funders, which happens quickly, and communication with constituents, which always seems to happen last minute, with less intention, and often different quality.Program LeaderNonprofit

our positionMore people than ever understand the value of strategic communication.

The research gathered during the Communication Matters project, and shared in
this website, reflects a broad consensus that communications must be embraced as
an integral strategy for every organization seeking to advance social change.

We now believe the main challenge underlying the lack of effective communications
at many organizations is no longer about getting the importance of communications.
The opportunity lies in doing more effective communications.

methodology

From the outset of the Communication Matters project our objective was to cast a wide net and collect as many informed opinions as possible. We achieved this goal in several ways:

Formed an advisory group of communication professionals from private foundations, community foundations and nonprofits

Put out a call through the Network for “best in class” examples

Searched and reviewed the literature

Facilitated two online forums, one with communication professionals and one with program professionals

Broadly disseminated an online survey, with special outreach to CEOs, executive directors and program leaders